Mission Lake Management Plan - Marathon County, Wisconsin€¦ · Lake Management Plan – Mission...

Mission Lake Management Plan

2015

Prepared by staff from the Center for Watershed Science and Education University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Lake Management Plan – Mission Lake, Marathon County, 2015 2


Mission Lake Management Plan

The Mission Lake Management Plan was prepared after obtaining input from residents and lake users at a series of four public planning sessions held at the Reid Town Hall in Hatley, Wisconsin in October, November, December 2014 and January 2015. The inclusive community sessions were designed to learn about and identify key community opportunities, assets, concerns, and priorities. Representatives of state and local agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, also attended the planning sessions to offer their assistance to the group in developing a strategic lake management plan (LMP). The plan was adopted by the Town of Reid on: __June 9, 2015____________________________ Date The plan was adopted by Marathon County on: __August 18, 2015__________________________ Date The plan was approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on: _________________________________________ Date


A special thanks to all who helped to create the Mission Lake Management Plan and provided guidance during the plan’s development.

Mission Lake Management Planning Committee Members and Resources

Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department Administrative Manager

—Diane Hanson

University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point Water Resource Specialist – Ryan Haney Water Resource Scientist – Nancy Turyk Water Resources Assistant – Melis Arik

Center for Watershed Science and Education

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Biologist –Tom Meronek

Water Resources Management Specialist –Scott Provost Lake Planning Specialist –Buzz Sorge

Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development, Inc. Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist – Kaycie Stushek

Planning Committee Brian Vanderkooy

Denise Vanderkooy

Mark Vanderkooy

Alex Lewandowski

Ken Day

Lawrence Day

Sara Jonasen

Glen Jacobson

We are grateful to many for providing insight, enthusiasm, and

funding:

Marathon County Concerned Citizens and Property Owners Mayflower Lake District, Pike Lake Sportsman Club, and Wadley Lake

Sportsman Club Marathon County Environmental Fund

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Lake Protection Grant


Contents Introduction and Background ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

Goals, Objectives and Actions........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9

In-Lake Habitat and a Healthy Lake ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

The Fish Community ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Aquatic Plants ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Critical Habitat ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Landscapes and the Lake ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Water Quality ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Shorelands ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Watershed Land Use ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 26

People and the Lake................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 29

Recreation ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Communication and Organization ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 30

Updates and Revisions ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Governance .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

References ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39

Appendices .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 40

Appendix A: Marathon County Lake Information Directory .................................................................................................................................................... 41

Appendix B: Aquatic Plant Management Strategies ............................................................................................................................................................... 46


Mission Lake is a 112 acre seepage lake with a maximum depth of 27 feet, located near Bevent, in the Town of Reid, Wisconsin. It is a beloved part of the

community, and visitors from around the area and even neighboring counties speak fondly of the lake. Mission Lake County Park is an area attraction,

located on the northwestern side of the lake, and includes a walking path from which area residents enjoy fishing and a swimming beach. The lake is

surrounded by forested land and wetlands. A large wetland complex is located to the west of the lake, and the secluded Little Lake is located just east of

Mission Lake.

Based on discussions throughout the planning process, Mission Lake planning session participants identified several priority issues and goals that they

would like to focus on in upcoming years:

Increase awareness of aquatic invasive species at public access points

Improve capacity building and lake stewardship between the municipal parks, lake residents, lake users

Enhance awareness of this lake “gem” to encourage others to protect and properly manage the lake

Introduction and Background This lake management plan (LMP) and its planning process allow the community to guide the fate of its lake. The LMP is a dynamic document that

identifies goals and action items for the purpose of maintaining, protecting and/or creating desired conditions in Mission Lake for within given period of

time. Implementation strategies identified ways to correct past problems, improve on current conditions, and provide guidance for future boards, lake

users, and technical experts by identifying which issues have been addressed and how successful previous efforts were. Each LMP is unique, dependent

upon the conditions of the lake, its watershed, and the interests and capacity of the community. The actions identified in this LMP can serve as a gateway

for obtaining grant funding and other resources to help implement activities outlined in the plan. Because many entities are involved in lake and land

management, it can be challenging to navigate the roles, partnerships, and resources that are available. The planning process and content of this plan

have been designed to identify where some of the key assistance exists.

Many individuals and organizations are involved in assuring that the Mission Lake ecosystem is healthy. It is essential for key partners who are responsible

for lake and land management work together to achieve this goal. The planning process and content of this plan have been designed to identify where

some of the key assistance exists. Following is a list of key partners; this list is not all inclusive.

Overarching Vision for Mission Lake

Mission Lake will remain a quiet, no-wake lake that hosts a healthy fishery, excellent swimming, and

abundant wildlife.


Individuals: Individuals can use this plan to learn about the lake they love and their connection to it. People living near Mission Lake can have the

greatest influence on the lake by understanding and choosing lake-friendly options to manage their land and the lake.

A future Mission Lake group or consortium: This plan provides a lake group with a well thought out plan for the whole lake and lists options that

can easily be prioritized. Annual review of the plan will also help the lake group to realize its accomplishments. Resources and funding

opportunities for management activities are made more available by placement of goals into the lake management plan, and the lake group can

identify partners to help achieve their goals for Mission Lake.

Neighboring lake groups, sporting and conservation clubs: Neighboring groups with similar goals for lake stewardship can combine their efforts

and provide each other with support, improve competitiveness for funding opportunities, and make efforts more fun.

The Town of Reid: The Town can utilize the visions, wishes, and goals documented in this lake management plan when considering town-level

management planning or decisions within the watershed that may affect the lake.

Marathon County: County professionals will better know how to identify needs, provide support, base decisions, and allocate resources to assist

in lake-related efforts documented in this plan. This plan can also inform county board supervisors in decisions related to Eastern Marathon

County lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR): Professionals working with lakes in Marathon County can use this plan as guidance for

management activities and decisions related to the management of the resource, including the fishery, and invasive species. Lake management

plans help the WDNR identify and prioritize needs within Wisconsin’s lake community, and decide where to best apply resources and funding. A

well thought out lake management plan increases an application’s competitiveness for funding from the State – if multiple Marathon County lakes

have similar goals in their lake management plans, they can join together when seeking grant support to increase competitiveness for statewide

resources. Information about WDNR grants is located on their website http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/grants/. Grant contacts are also listed in Appendix

A.

The first step in creating the Mission Lake management plan was to gather and compile data about the lake and its ecosystem to understand past and

current lake conditions. The Eastern Marathon County Lakes Project was initiated by citizens who encouraged Marathon County to work in partnership

with personnel from UW-Stevens Point to assess 11 lakes located in the eastern portion of the county. Finding for this effort was provided by the WDNR

Lake Protection Grant program, Marathon County’s environmental fund, and monetary and in-kind contributions from citizens. The Eastern Marathon

County Lakes Study occurred between 2010 and 2012 (UWSP, 2014). It was designed to gain an improved understanding about lake health and their

ecosystems including insight about past and current lake conditions. Many of the lakes had insufficient data available to help evaluate current water

quality concerns, aquatic plant communities, invasive species, or fisheries. Professionals and students from UW-Stevens Point conducted the study and

interpreted the data for use in lake management planning. The results of this project (including this document) will assist citizens, municipalities,

Marathon County, and State staff to efficiently manage their water resources and collectively make informed decisions and policies that affect their lakes.

http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/grants/


This lake management

plan will enable the

community to achieve

their vision for Mission

Lake now and in the

years to come.

In addition to the Eastern Marathon County Lakes Study, data collected by citizens, consultants, and professionals from the WDNR were incorporated into

the planning process to provide a robust set of information that helped to guide decisions in this plan. Sources of information used in the planning process

are listed at the end of this document for future reference.

Several reports from the Mission Lake Study and the materials associated with the planning process and reports can be found on the Marathon County

website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning/ConservationServices/LakePrograms.aspx.

The purpose of this plan is to learn about Mission Lake and identify features important to the Mission Lake community

in order to provide a framework for the protection and improvement of the lake. This framework, or lake management

plan, will enable the community to achieve the vision for Mission Lake now and in the years to come.

The planning process included a series of four public planning sessions which were held at the Reid Town Hall to assist

area residents, lake users, and representatives of local municipalities with the development of the lake management

plan. These meetings took place between October 2014 and January 2015. Each session focused on different

discussion topics, which included: the fishery and recreation; the aquatic plant community; water quality and land use;

shoreland health; and communication. Guest experts presented information and participated in discussions with

participants to provide context, insight and recommendations for the lake management plan, including environmental

and regulatory considerations. After learning about the current conditions of each topic, participants identified goals,

objectives, and actions for the lake management plan that were recorded by professionals from UW-Stevens Point.

Planning session notes and presentations were posted to the Marathon County website. Participation in the planning process was open to everyone and

was encouraged by letters sent directly to Mission Lake watershed property owners and by press releases in local newspapers. In addition, members of

the planning committee were provided with emails about upcoming meetings which could be forwarded to others.

The Mission Lake Planning Committee consisted primarily of property owners and recreational users. Technical assistance during the planning process was

provided by the Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department (CPZ) and professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural

Resources (WDNR), Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development, Inc. (RC&D), and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Center for

Watershed Science and Education (CWSE).

http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning/ConservationServices/LakePrograms.aspx


Goals, Objectives and Actions The following goals, objectives, and associated actions were derived from the values and concerns of citizens and members of the Mission Lake

Management Planning Committee, and the known science about Mission Lake, its ecosystem and the landscape within its watershed. Implementing and

regularly updating the goals and actions in the Mission Lake Management Plan will ensure that the vision is supported and that changes or new challenges

are incorporated into the plan. A management plan is a living document that changes over time to meet the current needs, challenges and desires of the

lake and its community. The goals, objectives and actions listed in this plan should be reviewed annually and updated every five years with any

necessary changes.

Although each lake is different, to ensure a lake management plan considers the many aspects associated with a lake, the Wisconsin Department of

Natural Resources requires that a comprehensive lake management plan address, at a minimum, a list of topics that affect the character of a lake,

whether each topic has been identified as a priority or as simply something to preserve. These topics comprise the chapters in this plan. For the purposes

of this plan, the chapters have been grouped as follows:

In-Lake Habitat and a Healthy Lake

Fish Community—fish species, abundance, size, important habitat and other needs

Aquatic Plant Community—habitat, food, health, native species, and invasive species

Critical Habitat—areas of special importance to the wildlife, fish, water quality, and aesthetics of the lake

Landscapes and the Lake

Water Quality and Quantity—water chemistry, clarity, contaminants, lake levels

Shorelands—habitat, erosion, contaminant filtering, water quality, vegetation, access

Watershed Land Use—land use, management practices, conservation programs

People and the Lake

Recreation—access, sharing the lake, informing lake users, rules

Communication and Organization—maintaining connections for partnerships, implementation, community involvement

Updates and Revisions—continuing the process

Governance—protection of the lake, constitution, state, county, local municipalities


Lead persons and resources are identified under each objective of this plan. These individuals and organizations are able to provide information,

suggestions, or services to accomplish objectives and achieve goals. The following table lists organization names and their common acronyms used in this

plan. This list should not be considered all-inclusive – assistance may also be provided by other entities, consultants, and organizations. Contact

information for organizations and individuals who support lake management in Marathon County can be found in the Appendix.

Table 1. Organizations and their acronym, identified as resources in this plan.

Acronym Organization/Resource

CBCW Clean Boats Clean Waters

CLMN Citizen Lake Monitoring Network

CWSE UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education

CPZ Marathon County Planning and Zoning (includes Land Conservation Department)

MC Marathon County

NCCT North Central Conservancy Trust

NRCS USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

RC&D Golden Sands Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.

UWSP University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

UWEX UW-Extension

WEAL UWSP Water and Environmental Analysis Lab

WDNR Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

WDOT Wisconsin Department of Transportation


Photo: Kaycie Stushek

In-Lake Habitat and a Healthy Lake

Many lake users value Mission Lake for its fishing, wildlife, and clear water. These attributes are all interrelated; the health of one part of the lake system

affects the health of the rest of the plant and animal community, the experiences of the people seeking pleasure at the lake, and the quality and quantity

of water in the lake. Habitat is the structure for a healthy fishery and wildlife community. It can provide shelter for some animals and food for others.

Lake habitat occurs within the lake, along all of its shorelands, and even extends into its watershed for some species. Many animals that live in and near

the lake are only successful if their needs – food, a healthy environment, and shelter – are met. Native vegetation including wetlands along the shoreline

and adjacent to the lake provides habitat for safety, reproduction, and food, and can improve water quality and balance water quantity. Some lake visitors

such as birds, frogs, and turtles use limbs from trees that are sticking out of the water for perches or to warm themselves in the sun. Aquatic plants infuse

oxygen into the water and provide food and shelter for waterfowl, small mammals, and people. The types and abundance of plants and animals that

comprise the lake community also vary based on the water quality, and the health and characteristics of the shoreland and watershed. Healthy habitat in

Mission Lake includes the aquatic plants, branches, and tree limbs above and below the water.

The Fish Community

A balanced fish community has a mix of predator and prey species, each with different food, habitat, nesting substrate, and water quality needs in order

to flourish. Activities in and around a lake that can affect a fishery may involve disturbances to the native aquatic plant community or substrate, excessive

additions of nutrients or harmful chemicals, removal of woody habitat, shoreline alterations, and/or an imbalance in the fishery. Shoreland erosion can

cause sediment to settle onto the substrate, causing the deterioration of spawning habitat. Habitat can be improved by allowing shoreland vegetation to

grow, minimizing the removal of aquatic plants, providing fallen trees or limbs in suitable areas, and protecting wetlands and other areas of critical

habitat.


People are an important part of a sustainable fish community; their actions on the landscape and the numbers and sizes of fish taken out of the lake can

influence the entire lake ecosystem. Putting appropriate fishing regulations in place and adhering to them can help to balance the fishery with healthy

prey and predatory species, can be adjusted as the fish community changes, and can provide for excellent fishing.

Managing a lake for a balanced fishery can result in fewer expenses to lake stewards and the public. While some efforts may be needed to provide a more

suitable environment to meet the needs of the fish, they usually do not have to be repeated on a frequently reoccurring basis. Protecting existing habitat

such as emergent, aquatic, and shoreland vegetation, and allowing trees that naturally fall into the lake to remain in the lake are free of cost.

Alternatively, restoring habitat in and around a lake can have an up-front cost, but the effects will often continue for decades. Costs in time, travel, and

other expenses are associated with routine efforts such as fish stocking and aeration. Ideally, a lake contains the habitat, water quality, and food

necessary to support the fish communities that are present within the lake and provide fishing opportunities for people without a lot of supplemental

effort and associated expenses to maintain these conditions.

Mission Lake supports a warm water fish community. In 2012, 20 fish species were sampled and identified. Surveys have been conducted periodically by

professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Twenty-two fish species have been recorded in Mission Lake since 1950 (Error!

eference source not found.). Although most species identified in 2012 had been previously reported, blackchin shiner (Notropis heterodon), blacknose

shiner (Notropis heterolepis), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) x pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) hybrid, green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and warmouth

(Lepomis gulosus) were newly documented. Species documented previously but not detected during the 2012 survey included emerald shiner (Notropis

atherinoides) and walleye (Sander vitreus). Bluegill were most abundant during both the fyke netting and shocking surveys in 2012, with a maximum size

of 6.5 inches. Although infrequently encountered, muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and northern pike (Esox lucius) were sampled in Mission Lake, with

muskellunge reaching 33.3 inches and northern pike reaching 30 inches. White sucker (Catostomus commersoni), yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis),

central mudminnow (Umbra lima), and bluegill x pumpkinseed hybrid were also infrequently encountered. Five rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus), a non-

native and potentially invasive species, were captured during the sampling period.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources records have documentation for previous management in Mission Lake (also known as Crooked Lake). In

1970, a permit was submitted to dredge an area (presently the beach area of Mission Lake County Park) and install sand to create a beach. A 1971-1972

fisheries report indicated that panfish, particularly black crappie, were stunted. In 2004, professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural

Resources identified sensitive areas along Mission Lake’s shoreline that were valuable and worth protecting, including naturally forested and vegetated

areas. Trees and vegetation protect water quality and prevent shoreline erosion. Fish stocking records for Mission Lake dated back to 1938 in Wisconsin

Department of Natural Resources files. Prior to 1960, efforts were focused largely on stocking northern pike and largemouth bass. After 1960,

muskellunge fingerlings were the sole focus of stocking in Mission Lake. An 11.7 inch individual was sampled during the fyke net survey in 2012. It is

unclear whether this young individual is the product of stocking or natural reproduction. According to Tom Meronek, Fishery Biologist with the WDNR,

current muskellunge stocking in Mission Lake by the WDNR is part of a paired feeding study. Prior to release, one-half of the stocked musky were fed

pellets and the other half of the stocked musky had been fed minnows at the hatchery. Electroshocking surveys will be conducted each fall to evaluate the

study results.


Guiding Vision for the Fish Community

Mission Lake will have a healthy, well-balanced fish community.

Goal 1. A healthy fishery will be present in Mission Lake.

Objective 1.1. Protect and enhance fish habitat to encourage natural reproduction and growth.

Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline

Inform shoreland property owners about refraining from removing sticks, logs, tree trunks, and vegetation from the near-shore shallows.

UWEX Lakes (educational materials)

2015, Ongoing

Consider working with the WDNR to obtain permits to enhance woody habitat by tree drops, “fish sticks”, and/or fish cribs.

Individuals WDNR Fisheries Biologist Fishing Clubs MC Parks

2015

Encourage property owners with docks to safely place woody habitat beneath them to establish additional fish habitat.

Shoreland property owners UWEX Lakes (educational materials) WDNR Fisheries Biologist

Ongoing

Provide habitat for young fish by minimizing the removal of aquatic plants in the lake. Some hand clearing near docks is permissible by WDNR guidelines.

Shoreland property owners WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist Ongoing

Objective 1.1. Enhance the fishery to develop a balanced, well-structured fishery.


Continue the WDNR fish stocking program. Make adjustments based on annual qualitative review and discussions with the WDNR Fisheries Biologist.

WDNR Fisheries Biologist

Ongoing


Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants provide the forested landscape within Mission Lake. They provide food and habitat for

spawning, breeding, and survival for a wide range of inhabitants and lake visitors including fish,

waterfowl, turtles, amphibians, as well as invertebrates and other animals. They improve water quality

by releasing oxygen into the water and utilizing nutrients that would otherwise be used by algae. A

healthy lake typically has a variety of aquatic plant species which creates diversity that makes the

aquatic plant community more resilient and can help to prevent the establishment of non-native

aquatic species.

Aquatic plants near shore and in shallows provide food, shelter and nesting material for shoreland

mammals, shorebirds and waterfowl. It is not unusual for otters, beavers, muskrats, weasels, and deer

to be seen along a shoreline in their search for food, water, or nesting material.

Mission Lake had the most aquatic plant species in the Eastern Marathon County Lakes Study. During

the 2012 aquatic plant survey of Mission Lake, 31 species of aquatic plants were found, with the

greatest diversity of species occurring near the shoreline. Fifty-seven percent (118 of 206) of the

sampled sites had vegetative growth.

The dominant plant species in the survey was slender naiad (Najas flexilis), followed by white water lily (Nymphaea odorata) and muskgrass (Chara spp.).

The stems, leaves, and seeds of slender naiad are important food sources for waterfowl and marsh birds. This common aquatic species provides habitat

for fish as well. The seeds of the white water lily also provide food to waterfowl. The broad, floating leaves of this aquatic species offer shade and shelter

to fish. Muskgrass is a favorite food source for a wide variety of waterfowl. Beds of muskgrass offer cover and food for fish, especially young trout,

largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass (Borman et al., 2001).

Overall, the aquatic plant community in Mission Lake can be characterized as having an excellent variety of high quality species. The habitat, food source,

and water quality benefits of this diverse plant community, as well as the control and removal of Eurasian water milfoil, should be focal points in future

lake management strategies.

Additional information about the aquatic plant community can be found in the Mission Lake Aquatic Plant Report or the Mission Lake 2010-2012 Lake

Study Report (UWSP, 2014).


Guiding Vision for Aquatic Plants in Mission Lake

Mission Lake will have a healthy native plant community that supports a balanced fishery and good water clarity.

Goal 2. The existing diverse native aquatic plant community in Mission Lake will remain in place.

Objective 2.1. Shoreland property owners and lake users will have an appreciation of the unique aquatic plant community in Mission Lake and will

minimize disturbance.


Provide information to shoreland property owners about the value of aquatic plants at an annual meeting or through a newsletter.

CPZ UWEX Lakes (educational materials)

Conduct any aquatic plant removal near docks only by hand.

Shoreland property owners WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist

Establish a ‘water trail’ that highlights unique or sensitive areas of the lake.

UWSP WDNR Lake Protection Grant CPZ

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Aquatic invasives species are non-native aquatic plants and animals that are most often unintentionally

introduced into a lake by lake users. This most commonly occurs on trailers, boats, equipment, and

from the release of bait. In some lakes, aquatic invasive plant species can exist as a part of the plant

community, while in other lakes populations explode, creating dense beds that can damage boat

motors, make areas non-navigable, inhibit activities like swimming and fishing, and disrupt the lakes’

ecosystems.

During the 2012 aquatic plant survey, one aquatic invasive species, Eurasian water-milfoil

(Myriophyllum spicatum), EWM, occupied a sparse patch at one location on the east side of Mission

Lake (A map of the location of observed EWM can be found in the Appendix). First documented in

Mission Lake in 2010 near the boat landing and on the north/northeast side of the lake, this aquatic

invasive plant species begins its growth early in the spring and can quickly out-compete native species.

EWM is effective at distributing its population in a lake. It has two mechanisms to create new plants:

plant fragments broken off a parent plant that float to a new destination and take root, and seeds. The presence of EWM in Mission Lake highlights the


lake’s vulnerability to infection by other aquatic invasive species. A strategy should be developed to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species

along with a monitoring strategy that is designed to identify AIS before it becomes established. EWM can exist as part of the plant community or it can

create dense beds that can damage boat motors, make areas non-navigable, and inhibit activities like swimming and fishing. This plant produces viable

seeds; however, it often spreads by fragmentation. Just a small fragment of the stem is enough to start a new plant, so spread can occur quickly if plants

are located near points of activity such as beaches and boat launches.

Guiding Vision for Aquatic Invasive Species

Mission Lake will not be detrimentally affected by aquatic invasive species.

Goal 3. Eradicate populations of aquatic invasive species in and around Mission Lake.

Objective 3.1. Eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil from Mission Lake.


Provide opportunities for volunteers to learn how to identify AIS and their proper removal techniques.

RC&D*

Test samples of the milfoil plants to evaluate the presence of hybrid watermilfoil.

WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist RC&D*

Objective 3.2. Prevent any new populations of aquatic invasive species from becoming established.


Protect and leave in place as much native aquatic vegetation as possible.

Shoreland property owners RC&D* MC Parks

Ongoing

Provide information to residents and their guests about making sure AIS-free boats are used in the lake and provide information on current populations of AIS and their identification. Work with MC Parks to add information to kiosk at boat landing and/or adding a kiosk to the beach area.

Individuals MC Parks

MC Parks CBCW UWEX Lakes (educational materials)

Ongoing


Provide opportunities for volunteers to learn how to identify AIS and proper removal techniques.

RC&D* WDNR AIS Grant CPZ

Continue to interact with RC&D* when they survey Mission Lake to expand opportunities to learn about invasive species.

RC&D* WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist

Ongoing

Monitor for AIS regularly. Trained volunteers RC&D*

WDNR AIS Grants CPZ

Ongoing

Work with RC&D* to coordinate volunteer monitoring shared with other area lakes through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program.

Individuals CPZ

RC&D* CBCW

Ongoing

Refer to Mission Lake Rapid Response Plan (Appendix). As needed

* Note: Services offered by Golden Sands RC&D are dependent on available funds through grants or lake groups.

Critical Habitat

Special areas harbor habitat that is essential to the health of a lake and its inhabitants. In Wisconsin, critical habitat areas are identified by biologists and

other lake professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in order to protect features that are important to the overall health and

integrity of the lake, including aquatic plants and animals. While every lake contains important natural features, not all lakes have official critical habitat

designations. Designating areas of the lake as critical habitat enables these areas to be located on maps and information about their importance to be

shared. Having a critical habitat designation on a lake can help lake groups and landowners plan waterfront projects that will minimize impact to

important habitat, ultimately helping to ensure the long-term health of the lake.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources designated eight sensitive areas (Critical Habitat Areas) on Mission Lake in 2004 (Appendix). The areas

included the North Bog, located on the northern shoreline out to a water depth of 10 feet; the Southeast Bog located in the southeast corner of the lake

out to a depth of 7 feet; a Panfish Spawning Area of with wooded shoreline located on the southwest portion of the lake out to a water depth of 6 feet;

the South Bog on the south shore of the lake up to 12 feet in depth, the South Wooded Area, encompassing approximately 100 feet of wooded shoreline

out to a water depth of 11 feet; the Southwest Bog encompassing 14 acres bordered by the southwest bay; the County Park Bog, on the west of the

County park; and finally the Mid-Lake Plant bed, located in the middle of the east basin of Mission Lake and composed of deep water marsh habitat. All of

these areas should be considered for extra protection, and efforts should be made to reduce negative impacts to sensitive areas. General

recommendations for Mission Lake as a whole included in the Sensitive Area report (WDNR 2004) included:

Maintain white pines for potential eagle and osprey nesting habitat, located on the steep shoreline between the North Bog Site and the Southeast

Bog Site.

Maintain wooded cover and buffer of unmowed shoreline in the County Park between the North Bog Site and the County Park Big Site.


No chemical or fertilizer use on shorelines to prevent adverse impacts to aquatic vegetation and nutrient enrichment of Mission Lake.

Lake residents or camp personal on Mission Lake contact the WDNR for participation in the Self-Help Volunteer Monitoring Program. Involving the

camp in the program would be an ideal educational activity that would also provide important data on the water quality of the lake. If the camp

director included this as camp activity, campers would learn about water testing and limnology while providing useful information about lake

chemistry.

Figure 1. Location of WDNR critical habitat designations.


Guiding Vision Mission Lake’s Critical Habitat

Mission Lake’s sensitive areas will be enhanced and protected from degradation.

Goal 4. Protect and improve special areas of critical habitat in Mission Lake.

Objective 4.1. Sensitive areas and critical habitat near and in Mission Lake will remain intact and protected.


Inform lake users about these important areas by publishing brochures and distribute to current property owners, include in newcomer packets, and for use at boat landing and beach.

WDNR Aquatic Biologists and Lake Managers UWEX Lakes CPZ MC Parks

Protect areas surrounding off-lake critical habitat areas by supporting enrollment in conservation programs.

Interested shoreland property owners

NCCT Town Plan Commission

Explore options for making improvements to sensitive habitat by protection, restoration.

Shoreland property owners WDNR Lake Management Specialist WDNR Fisheries Biologist UWEX Lakes (educational materials)

Establish a ‘water trail’ that highlights unique or sensitive areas of the lake.

WDNR Lake Protection Grant CPZ


Landscapes and the Lake Land use and land management practices within a lake’s watershed can affect both its water quantity and quality. While forests, grasslands, and wetlands

allow a fair amount of precipitation to soak into the ground, resulting in more groundwater and good water quality, other types of land uses may result in

increased runoff and less groundwater recharge, and may also be sources of pollutants that can impact the lake and its inhabitants. Areas of land with

exposed soil can produce soil erosion. Soil entering the lake can make the water cloudy and cover fish spawning beds. Soil also contains nutrients that

increase the growth of algae and aquatic plants. Development on the land may result in changes to natural drainage patterns and alterations to vegetation

on the landscape, and may be a source of pollutants. Impervious (hard) surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and compacted soil prevent rainfall from soaking

into the ground, which may result in more runoff that carries pollutants to the lake. Wastewater, animal waste, and fertilizers used on lawns, gardens and

crops can contribute nutrients that enhance the growth of algae and aquatic plants in our lakes. Land management practices can be put into place that

better mimic some of the natural processes, and reduction or elimination of nutrients added to the landscape will help prevent the nutrients from

reaching the water. In general, the land nearest the lake has the greatest impact on the lake water quality and habitat.

Shoreland vegetation is critical to a healthy lake’s ecosystem. It helps improve the quality of the runoff that is flowing across the landscape towards the

lake. It also provides habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial animals including birds, frogs, turtles, and many small and large mammals. Healthy shoreland

vegetation includes a mix of tall grasses/flowers, shrubs, and trees which extend at least 35 feet landward from the water’s edge. Shorelands include

adjacent wetlands, which also serve the lake by allowing contaminants to settle out, providing shelter for fish and wildlife, and decreasing the hazard of

shoreline erosion by providing a shoreland barrier from waves and wind.

The water quality in Mission Lake is the result of many factors, including the underlying geology, the climate, and land management practices. Since we

have little control over the climate and cannot change the geology, changes to land management practices are the primary actions that can have positive

impacts on the lake’s water quality. The water quality in Mission Lake was assessed by measuring different characteristics including temperature,

dissolved oxygen, water clarity, water chemistry, and algae. All of these factors were taken into consideration when management planning decisions were

made.

Water Quality A variety of water chemistry measurements were used to characterize the water quality in Mission Lake. Water quality was assessed during the 2010-2012

lake study and involved a number of measures including temperature, dissolved oxygen, water chemistry, and nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen).

Nutrients are important measures of water quality in lakes because they are used for growth by algae and aquatic plants. Each of these interrelated

measures plays a part in the lake’s overall water quality. In addition, water quality data collected in past years was also reviewed to determine trends in

Mission Lake’s water quality.

Dissolved oxygen is an important measure in Mission Lake because a majority of organisms in the water depend on oxygen to survive. Oxygen is dissolved

into the water from contact with air, which is increased by wind and wave action. Algae and aquatic plants also produce oxygen when sunlight enters the


One pound of phosphorus

entering a lake can result in

up to 500 pounds of algal

growth!

(Vallentyne, 1974)

water, but the decomposition of dead plants and algae reduces oxygen in the lake. During the study, dissolved oxygen concentrations in Mission Lake

were always plentiful in at least the upper nine feet of water.

The water clarity in Mission Lake was considered fair The average water clarity measurements in Mission Lake during the study were poorest in October

and best in July. Water clarity data was submitted sporadically between 1999 and 2007. When compared with this historic data, the average water clarity

measured during the study was poorer in August. Results of a sediment core analysis in 2011 suggest increasing organic material and decreased water

clarity in recent time.

Chloride, sodium and potassium concentrations are commonly used as indicators of how a lake is being impacted by human activity. The presence of

these compounds where they do not naturally occur indicates sources of water contaminants. Over the monitoring period, concentrations of potassium

were slightly elevated, but chloride and sodium were low. Although these elements are not detrimental to the aquatic ecosystem, they can indicate that

sources of contaminants such as road salt, fertilizer, animal waste and/or septic system effluent may be entering the lake from either surface runoff or via

groundwater. Some of the water quality analyses indicated good quality in Mission Lake. Chloride, potassium, and sodium were all low, and Atrazine, an

agricultural herbicide, was not present in the two samples analyzed.

Phosphorus is an element that is essential in trace amounts to most living organisms, including aquatic plants and

algae. Sources of phosphorus can include naturally-occurring phosphorus in soils and wetlands, and groundwater.

Common sources from human activities include soil erosion, animal waste, fertilizers, and septic systems.

Although a variety of compounds are important to biological growth, phosphorus receives so much attention

because it is commonly the “limiting nutrient” in many Wisconsin lakes. Due to its relatively short supply

compared to other substances necessary for growth, relatively small increases in phosphorus result in significant

increases in aquatic plants and algae.

Mission Lake is clearly a nutrient-enriched lake. Total phosphorus concentrations in Mission Lake ranged from a high of 61 ug/L in February 2012 to a low

of 8 ug/L in August 2012. The summer median total phosphorus was 30 ug/L and 16 ug/L in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The median concentration in

2012 was above Wisconsin’s phosphorus standard of 20 ug/l for deep seepage lakes.

During the study, inorganic nitrogen concentrations in samples collected during the spring in Mission Lake were 0.12 mg/L in 2011 and 0.43 mg/L in 2012.

Concentrations above 0.3 mg/L are sufficient to enhance algal blooms throughout the summer (Shaw et al., 2000). Inorganic nitrogen typically moves to

lakes with groundwater and sources include fertilizers, animal waste, and septic systems.

Managing nitrogen, phosphorus and soil erosion throughout the Mission Lake watershed is one of the keys to protecting the lake itself. Near shore

activities that may increase the input of phosphorus to the lake include applying fertilizer, removing native vegetation (trees, bushes and grasses), mowing

vegetation, and increasing the amount of exposed soil. Nitrogen inputs to Mission Lake can be controlled by using lake-friendly land management


decisions, such as the restoration of shoreland vegetation, elimination/reduction of fertilizers, proper management of animal waste and septic systems,

and the use of water quality-based management practices.

Guiding Vision for Water Quality in Mission Lake

Water quality in Mission Lake will support a healthy lake ecosystem.

Goal 5. Mission Lake will have nutrient concentrations that do not result in increased algal blooms or aquatic plant growth. Summer

median phosphorus concentrations will remain below Wisconsin’s phosphorus standard of 20 ug/L and spring inorganic nitrogen will

remain below 0.3 mg/L for three consecutive years.

Objective 5.1. Minimize nutrient and sediment loading to Mission Lake by improving existing land management practices near the lake and in the

watershed.


Shoreland property owners will be Informed about the effects of nutrients and land management on water quality through the distribution of a newsletter and neighborly discussions. Consider including information on a lake sign.

UWEX Lakes (educational materials) MC Parks

Encourage the restoration of unmowed vegetation to slow and absorb runoff and pollutants from the road (see Shorelands section).

Shoreland property owners CPZ Landscapers, Nurseries, Greenhouses

Refrain from the use of fertilizers on shoreland properties (see Shorelands section). Consider distributing educational materials to shoreland property owners.

Shoreland property owners UWEX Lakes (educational materials) CPZ MC Parks

Encourage the Marathon County CPZ to work with area shoreland landowners and farmers to test soil before applying fertilizers.

Interested citizen MC Extension

Protect important habitat in the lake’s watershed by informing landowners of options and opportunities (see Watershed section).

Interested citizen UWEX Lakes (educational materials) NCCT


Marathon County will encourage landowners to implement water quality-based best management practices (BMPs) throughout the watershed.

CPZ Ongoing

Objective 5.2. Routinely monitor water quality in Mission Lake to track changes, improvement or decline in water quality.


Monitor water clarity (Secchi disc measurements). Collect at least five observations during the summer and submit to WDNR database.

Individual CLMN coordinator WDNR Lakes Manager

Annually spring through fall, beginning in 2015

Monitor phosphorus during the summer following CLMN guidance. Submit the information to the WDNR database.

Individual CLMN coordinator WDNR Lakes Manager

Annually in summer, beginning in 2016

Monitor for inorganic nitrogen during spring in accordance with WisCALM guidance. Submit the information to the WDNR database.

Individual WDNR Lakes Manager WEAL and other labs

Annually during spring overturn, beginning in 2016

Conduct ice-on/ice-off monitoring. Submit the information to the WDNR database.

Individual CLMN coordinator Annually fall and spring, beginning in 2015


Shorelands

Shoreland vegetation is critical to a healthy lake ecosystem. It

provides habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial animals

including birds, frogs, turtles, and small and large mammals. It

also helps to improve the quality of the runoff that is flowing

across the landscape towards the lake. Healthy shoreland

vegetation includes a mix of unmowed grasses/flowers, shrubs,

trees, and wetlands which extend at least 35 feet landward from

the water’s edge.

To better understand the health of the Eastern Marathon

County lakes, shorelands were evaluated. Mission Lake has 3.1

miles of shoreline. The lake’s shoreland vegetation was primarily

in a natural state. Grasses and forbs were the most prominent

vegetative layer due to the abundance of wetlands adjacent to

Mission Lake (Figure 2). The limited shrubs and trees are the

result of dense grasses, forbs, and wetland areas rather than

human disturbances. Although Mission Lake’s shoreland is in

good shape now, changes can easily occur as development takes

place. Minimizing impacts to Mission Lake from future

development should include planning to ensure that perspective

developers have the right information to make informed

decisions and that zoning is in place to achieve habitat, water

quality, and aesthetic goals.

Mission Lake has a very small amount of disturbance around its

shores. However, considering the cumulative impacts of any

future development is important when considering the future of

Mission Lake’s water quality and habitat. Docks and artificial

beaches can result in altered in-lake habitat; denuded lakebeds

provide good prospects for invasive species to become

established and reduce habitat that is important to fish and

other lake inhabitants. Erosion can contribute sediment to the

Figure 2. Results from the 2011 Shoreland vegetation survey of Mission Lake.


lake, which can alter spawning habitat and carry nutrients into the lake. Unmanaged runoff from the rooftops of structures located near shore can also

contribute more sediment to the lake. Alone, each human-made feature typically is not a large problem to a lake, but on developed lakes where these

features occur around the lake, their impacts can add up to be a problem for a lake’s habitat and water quality.

Shoreland ordinances were enacted to improve water quality and habitat, and to protect our lakes. To protect our lakes, county and state (NR 115)

shoreland ordinances state that vegetation should extend at least 35 feet inland from the water’s edge, with the exception of an optional 30 foot viewing

corridor for each shoreland lot. Although some properties were grandfathered in when the ordinance was initiated in 1966, as a minimum, following this

guidance will benefit the health of the lake and its inhabitants.

Guiding Vision for Mission Lake’s Shorelands

Mission Lake will have shorelands that provide aesthetic beauty and quality habitat.

Goal 6. Protect and restore healthy shorelands around Mission Lake. The amount of disturbed shoreland will be minimized while allowing

for access to the lake. Disturbance will remain within the allowable limits identified in the Marathon County Shoreland Zoning Ordinance.

Objective 6.1. Maintain healthy shoreland vegetation and habitat and restore stretches of shoreland where needed.


Minimize and mitigate the amount of impervious surfaces on shoreland properties.

Shoreland property owners MC Parks

CPZ MC Parks

Ongoing

Explore the installation of rain gardens, rain barrels, and other management practices that slow and filter water as it travels toward the lake.

Shoreland property owners MC Parks

CPZ Consultants MC Parks

Ongoing

Keep septic systems maintained and up to date. Individual property owners MC Parks

CPZ Ongoing

Encourage MC Parks Dept to install a rain garden and/or conduct shoreland restoration in the Mission Lake park to serve as a demonstration and educational site for local waterfront property owners and visitors. This could be developed as a community restoration project involving a local school or scout group.

MC Parks MC Parks CPZ

Ensure that sufficient protection is in place around Mission Lake by actively participating in the public process of revising the MC Comprehensive Plan which will include revisions to the MC shoreland zoning ordinance.

Individuals and local stewardship groups

CPZ Town of Reid

2015


Watershed Land Use It is important to understand where Mission Lake’s water originates

in order to understand the lake’s health. During snowmelt or

rainstorms, water moves across the surface of the landscape (runoff)

towards lower elevations such as lakes, streams, and wetlands. The

land area that contributes runoff to a lake is called the surface

watershed. Groundwater also feeds Mission Lake; its land area may

be slightly different than the surface watershed.

The capacity of the landscape to shed or hold water and contribute

or filter particles determines the amount of erosion that may occur,

the amount of groundwater feeding a lake, and ultimately, the lake’s

water quality and quantity. Essentially, landscapes with greater

capacities to hold water during rain events and snowmelt slow the

delivery of the water to the lake. Less runoff is desirable because it

allows more water to recharge the groundwater, which feeds the

lake year-round - even during dry periods or when the lake is

covered with ice.

A variety of land management practices can be put in place to help

reduce impacts to our lakes. Some practices are designed to reduce

runoff. These include protecting/restoring wetlands, installing rain

gardens, swales, rain barrels, and routing drainage from pavement

and roofs away from the lake. Some practices are used to help

reduce nutrients from moving across the landscape towards the

lake. Examples include manure management practices,

eliminating/reducing the use of fertilizers, increasing the distance

between the lake and a septic drainfield, protecting/restoring

wetlands and native vegetation in the shoreland, and using erosion

control practices.

The surface watershed for Mission Lake is 1,577 acres. Primary land

use is agriculture and forested land (Figure 3). The lake’s shoreland is

Figure 3. Surface watershed of Mission Lake.


surrounded primarily by wetlands, forests, and recreational development. In general, the land closest to the lake has the greatest immediate impact on

water quality.

The groundwater watershed, or the area from which Mission Lake receives

groundwater, extends to the northeast from the lake and encompasses

approximately 368 acres. Land use practices in this area may have an effect on any

contaminants or constituents traveling to the lake via groundwater.

Land use in the surface watershed was evaluated and used to populate the

Wisconsin Lakes Modeling Suite (WILMS) model. In general, each type of land use

contributes different amounts of phosphorus in runoff and through groundwater.

The types of land management practices that are used and the distance from the

lake also affect the contributions to the lake from a parcel of land. While forests

comprised the greatest amount of land in the watershed, modeling results indicated

agriculture had the greatest percentage of phosphorus contributions from the

watershed to Mission Lake (Figure 4)

Guiding Vision for Mission Lake’s Watershed

The land in Mission Lake’s watershed will be managed in a way that it’s high quality water and healthy habitat

can be enjoyed by future generations.

Goal 7. Land management practices within the lake’s watershed will not have negative impacts on Mission Lake.

Objective 7.1. Important habitat around Mission Lake and in its watershed will be protected.


Inform landowners in the lake’s watershed of options and opportunities to protect important habitat and natural lands.

CPZ NRCS National Fish and Wildlife Service

Figure 4. Estimated phosphorus loads from land uses in the Mission Lake watershed.


Raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and explore options with the County or Town to better protect, enhance, or restore wetlands in the watershed.

Interested citizen Town of Reid CPZ County Supervisor Wisconsin Wetlands Assn.

Support landowners interested in conservation easements or purchase of development rights.

Interested citizen NCCT WDNR Lake Protection Grants Wisconsin Stewardship Funds

Objective 7.2. Nutrient and sediment loading to Mission Lake will be reduced by working with property owners to design landscapes and land use that

reduces runoff and encourages infiltration.


Participate in future planning activities with the County and the Town in regard to revisions to zoning decisions than may affect Mission Lake. Shoreland zoning ordinance updates and land use plans and are a few examples.

Individuals Town of Reid MC Supervisor CPZ

2015 and ongoing

Explore the use of overlay zoning to better protect the lake and its shorelands around the lake which may not be covered by the existing zoning ordinances.

Individuals and Town of Reid

CPZ Town of Reid

County staff will encourage property owners to utilize water quality-based best management practices (BMPs) within the watershed (see Water Quality section).

MC CPZ

NRCS DATCP

Ongoing

Reduce impacts of land management in the watershed by supporting property owners that seek conservation easements, purchase of development rights, etc.

Interested citizen NCCT WDNR Lake Protection Grants Wisconsin Stewardship Funds

Ongoing

Develop County communication strategy for citizens to receive notifications of projected road/development projects near the lake (prior to design) to provide input on road/development drainage directed away from the lake.

Individuals CPZ Town of Reid

Ongoing – as needed


People and the Lake The people that interact with the lake are a key component of the lake and its management. In essence, a lake management plan is a venue by which

people decide how they would like people to positively impact the lake. The plan summarizes the decisions of the people to take proactive steps to

improve their lake and their community. Individual decisions by lake residents and visitors can have a positive impact on the lake and on those who enjoy

this common resource. Collaborative efforts may have a bigger positive impact; therefore, communication and cooperation between a community, and

suite of lake users are essential to maximize the effects of plan implementation. Boating hours, regulations, and fishing limits are examples of principles

that are put into place to minimize conflicts between lake users and balance human activities with environmental considerations for the lake.

Recreation Mission Lake has one public boat launch on the northeast end of the lake which is well marked with signage indicating the maximum boating speed (5

mph) and the no-wake designation of the lake. There is a beautiful County Park (Mission Lake County Park) and walking path located on the northwestern

side of the lake, including a small swimming area. Mission lake is enjoyed by people who swim, boat, fish, and appreciate its beauty.

Guiding Vision for Recreation

Mission Lake will host recreational opportunities while residents and visitors will continue to use the lake

responsibly and appreciate its value.

Goal 8. Mission Lake will remain healthy while providing a variety of recreational opportunities.

Objective 8.1. Potential impacts from recreational use will be balanced by a combination of informed users and supportive regulations.


Support the No Wake designation on Mission Lake. Individuals Town of Reid Ongoing

Fishing regulations will be enforced (i.e. valid fishing license, bag limits, etc.)

WDNR Warden Ongoing

County to maintain the quality of the park and beach and mitigate impacts to the lake and its habitat.

MC Parks CPZ Consultants

Ongoing

See also Fishing and AIS chapters.


Communication and Organization Many of the goals outlined in this plan focus on distributing information to lake and watershed residents and lake users in order to help them make

informed decisions that will result in a healthy ecosystem in Mission Lake enjoyed by many people. Working together on common values will help to

achieve the goals that are outlined in this plan.

Guiding Vision for Communication

The Mission Lake community will be connected, informed, and engaged in lake stewardship.

Goal 9. Lake stewardship capacity will continually be supported by the community.

Objective 9.1. Opportunities for capacity development will occur to ensure the implementation of this plan.


Take steps to continue to develop the partnership between citizens, the Town, County, WDNR, UWSP, elected officials, RC&D*, and others.

Watershed residents CPZ Town of Reid WDNR Lake Managers

Ongoing

Take steps to continue partnerships between all shoreland property owners.

MC Parks Citizens Camp

CPZ Ongoing

Distribute a welcome packet/mailing to all lake residents with basic lake stewardship information/brochures.

CPZ Ongoing

Communicate updates to lake management plan and management activities to residents and users of the lake via email list and/or newsletter.

Town of Reid

* Note: Services offered by RC&D are dependent on available funds through grants or lake groups.


Updates and Revisions A management plan is a living document that changes over time to meet the current needs, challenges and desires of the lake and its community. The

goals, objectives and actions listed in this plan should be reviewed annually and updated every five years with any necessary changes.

Guiding Vision for Updates and Revisions

Mission Lake will have an up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive lake management plan that is

reviewed annually, documents, and celebrates all management activities and results.

Goal 10. Review plan annually and update as needed.

Objective 10.1. Community members will discuss the state of Mission Lake.


Review plan at an annual gathering and discuss accomplishments and modification of goals/objectives.

Annually

Governance This section will identify plans, ordinances, and regulations that affect the lake and responsible authorities including the local municipalities, state, and

federal agencies.

Marathon County Strategic Plan: Marathon County’s strategic plan states a clear intent to provide leadership and services focusing on improving land use

and resource planning. This will assure the orderly development of retail and manufacturing business, agriculture/agribusiness, and residential growth

while retaining the rural character of Marathon County. Specific objectives to support this leadership role are as follows:

Develop comprehensive planning and zoning ordinances that provide towns with value so that 100% request participation in county planning and zoning.

Improve water quality and residential, commercial, and industrial waste management resulting in 100% of all households, businesses, and industry sites

meeting water quality standards.

Inventory water resources, determine where we have adequate supplies, and encourage development in those areas.


Develop an educational program on the quantity and quality of water supplies for local and state policy makers.

Comprehensive Plans – Marathon County and the Towns of Reid and Elderon: Marathon County as well as the Towns of Reid adopted Comprehensive

Plans in 2006/2007. These plans outline the direction of future growth within the County and Town.

During the planning process, a set of guiding principles that describe broad characteristics of a desired future for local communities and Marathon County

were developed. These guiding principles were used to provide a general framework for developing local and countywide goals and objectives. The

guiding principles outlined in the Marathon County Comprehensive Plan are:

Respect Local Governance - Planning in Marathon County should build on local town, village and city government as a system that is unique, has served

residents well, and is a strong component of local identity.

2. Preserve Working Agriculture - Agriculture has been central to the culture and economy of Marathon County for over 100 years. Farming has been a

way of life for generations of county residents and is fundamental to both community and individual identity. Efforts such as protecting prime farmland

from development, exploring niche markets, and supporting cooperative practices can be implemented at the local level to help maintain and preserve

working agriculture.

3. Maintain a Sense of Place - As Marathon County’s population grows and changes, communities will need to ensure that important physical features,

buildings, and landscapes that exemplify their local identity are retained. These features provide a sense of heritage and continuity that contribute to a

community’s identity and sense of place.

4. Preserve Rural Character - Shifts in the farm economy and urban expansion are altering the County’s rural landscape characterized by working farms,

woodlands, rolling hills, marsh areas, and plentiful water bodies. As open spaces, farms, and woodlands are being lost or fragmented by development,

Marathon County communities will need to make some important choices in order to preserve the qualities and character of the rural landscape.

5. Safeguard Natural Resources - Marathon County is graced with abundant natural resources including numerous rivers, wetlands, forests, and wildlife.

Careful stewardship of natural resources is essential to protect against fragmentation and degradation and ensure these resources continue to contribute

to the ecology, character, quality of life, and economy of Marathon County into the future.

6. Foster Managed Growth and Coordinated Development - Managing growth is important to ensure that no area is overwhelmed by development, land

use conflicts are minimized, and development occurs in a quality manner that minimizes impacts on natural resources. Managing growth requires

coordination of land uses and infrastructure, within and between communities,

From these Guiding Principles, the following goals were developed that are directly related to lake management planning and protection:


Goal 1: Enhance the natural character of Marathon County.

Objective: To encourage establishment of an open space network connecting woodlands, wetlands,

shorelands, grasslands, and other natural areas.

Goal 2: Protect and enhance surface water resources and natural habitat areas.

Objective: To minimize development impacts that could affect the water quality and habitat of rivers,

floodplains, and wetlands.

Objective: To provide leadership in disseminating information about shoreland, floodplain, and wetland

preservation and management to County residents.

Goal 3: Protect and enhance the quantity and quality of potable groundwater and potable surface water

supplies.

Objective: To continue to enforce, and update as necessary, ordinances and development standards to

protect the quantity and quality of groundwater resources.

Objective: To continue to encourage local municipalities to protect groundwater quality and quantity.

Objective: To continue to work with the WDNR and others to address known contamination problems

and ensure that sufficient measures are taken to prevent additional groundwater contamination.

Goal 7: Improve coordination regarding natural resource protection.

Objective: To foster coordinated and effective enforcement of the various regulations aimed at

protecting natural resources.

Objective: To continue to serve as a liaison between State and Federal agencies and local municipalities

regarding natural resource regulations and permitting procedures.


Objective: To ensure timely and effective communication of changes to natural resource regulations and

permitting procedures.

The Town of Reid adopted a Comprehensive Plan to guide the community’s physical, social, and economic development. The Comprehensive Plan also

serves to identify important physical and cultural resources that need to be protected and enhanced to maintain a desired quality of life. Comprehensive

plans are not meant to serve as land use regulations in themselves; instead, they provide a rational basis for local land use decisions with a twenty-year

vision for future planning and community decisions.

Town of Reid residents are very concerned about preservation of natural resources, especially water resources, woodlands and prime farmland. The

Town of Reid has developed the following goal, objectives, and policy recommendations to demonstrate its support:

Goal: Protect and enhance the Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) and Exceptional Resource Waters (ERW) from intensive development.

Objective: To support private sector efforts that enhance ORWs and ERWs.

Objective: To protect and enhance the Plover River as a particularly important waterway and natural habitat.

Objective: To the extent possible, limit uncontrolled runoff, overuse of fertilizers and other waterway contaminants to surface water.

Goal: Protect wetlands and lakes from development activity.

Objective: To continue working with the WDNR and marathon County to ensure appropriate preservation of wetlands and shorelines.

Objective: To minimize intensive development around lakes that could affect views, water quality, habitat or natural vegetation on the lakes.

Objective: To minimize intensive development around Elderon’s lakes that could affect water quality, habitat or natural vegetation near the lakes.

The lake management plan, along with any proposed changes to the comprehensive plan, will be presented to the local municipality for review and

possible incorporation into their comprehensive plans. Zoning, subdivision, and official mapping decisions must be consistent with the comprehensive

plan.

Marathon County Land & Water Resource Management Plan

The Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department’s mission is to create, advocate, and implement strategies to conserve natural and community

resources. The department administers programs to implement the Land and Water Resource Management Plan which includes the Farmland


Preservation Program, Managed Intensive Grazing, Lake Districts, Wildlife Damage and Abatement, as well as regulatory activities associated with the

Waste Storage Facility and Nutrient Management Ordinance and the Livestock Facilities Licensing Ordinance.

The Land & Water Resource Management Plan outlines the following goals, objectives, programs, and regulations to support the implementation of the

Lake Management Plan:

A. Goals and Objectives

Reduce Agricultural Nonpoint Runoff. Reduce the discharge of soil sediment, organic materials, pesticides and nutrients into surface and ground waters.

Groundwater Protection. Educate the public and users about groundwater use and resource management challenges. In April 2001, the Marathon

County Groundwater Guide was updated to reflect the changing programs and policies within the county as well as to acknowledge the increased level of

regulation by state agencies to protect the groundwater resources of Marathon County.

Forestry. Sustain private and public forests. The Marathon County Forest Comprehensive Land Use Plan (2006-2020) includes recommendations to guide

management of forest land in Marathon County in accordance with the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department’s mission to manage and protect the

county forest on a sustainable basis for ecological, economic, educational, recreational, and research needs of present and future generations.

Land Conversion. Minimize the conversion of prime agricultural lands and forests to other land uses to support watershed management and to maintain

economic value of the working lands.

Lake and Reservoir Management. Support local communities to understand the environmental opportunities and challenges facing lakes. This resource

concern encompasses the areas of wetland management and aquatic invasive species. There is a great participation by local landowners in securing

information and resources to better protect our water resources.

B. Conservation Programs and Partnerships

1. Aquatic Invasive Species. In 2010, Marathon County has entered into a working relationship with the Golden Sands Resource Conservation &

Development agency to conduct an inventory of lakes and flowages unassociated with the Wisconsin River for aquatic species. The inventory efforts

involve educational outreach efforts to Park Department employees and students.

2. Managed Grazing Project. Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department, UW-Extension, and the Natural Resources

Conservation Service have joined forces to support the Central Wisconsin River Graziers Network. The Network promotes the feasibility of grazing-based

farming as a profitable way of farming that enhances lifestyles and protects and improves the environment.


3. Managed Forest Law (MFL) Program. The MFL program provides incentives to protect privately owned woodlands from destructive timber

cutting practices and over-harvesting and prevents land from becoming developed and/or converted to agricultural land use.

4. Farmland Preservation Program. Marathon County adopted its Farmland Preservation Plan in 2013. The goals of the program are twofold: to

preserve Wisconsin farmland for production of commodities by means of local land use planning and soil conservation practices, and; to provide tax relief

to landowners. For the landowner to receive tax credits they must be in compliance with current and applicable State Agricultural Performance

Standards.

5. Nutrient Management Program. Nutrient management is defined as managing the amount, form, placement, and timing of applications of plant

nutrients. The purpose of this program is to ensure a proper supply of plant nutrients for crop production while minimizing the entry of nutrients to

surface water and groundwater. Marathon County requires nutrient management plans for landowners constructing and operating waste storage

facilities.

6. Federal Soil and Water Conservation Programs. The Conservation, Planning and Zoning (CPZ) Department works closely with the United States

Department of Agriculture through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The NRCS, FSA, UW-Extension

and CPZ staffs work together in the Local Work Group to identify program and funding priorities for federal and local conservation programs such as the

Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and grazing

initiatives.

C. Regulations: The lake management plan is superseded by federal, state, county, and municipal laws and court rulings; however, the plan

may influence county and municipal ordinances and enforcement. Federal laws contain regulations related to water quality, wetlands, dredging, and

filling. State laws contain regulations related to water quality, water and lake use, aquatic plants and animals, shoreline vegetation, safety, and

development. County laws contain regulations related to development, safety, use, and aquatic plants and animals. Municipal laws contain regulation of

use and safety. The rules and regulations are primarily enforced by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the

Marathon County Sheriff’s Department, and the Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning (CPZ) Department. If considering development near

or on a lake, addressing problem plants or animals, or altering the lake bottom contacts the Marathon County CPZ Department and/or the Wisconsin

Department of Natural Resources.

1. Waste Storage Facility and Nutrient Management Ordinance. Dairy cattle in the county produce over 4,000,000 gallons of manure per day. To assure

that this organic matter and nutrient source is contained and managed with sound practices, Marathon County has regulated these activities since 1985.


2. Marathon County Livestock Siting Ordinance. In October 2006, Marathon County adopted the General Code of Ordinances for Marathon County

Chapter 13.01 Livestock Facilities Licensing Ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is to establish the authority, technical standards, performance

standards, and monitoring protocols necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environmental resources in Marathon County.

3. Marathon County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 17) and Land Division and Surveying Regulations (Chapter 18). The Marathon County Zoning

Ordinance (Chapter 17) is adopted to promote and protect public health, safety, comfort, convenience, aesthetics and other aspects of the general

welfare of the population. More specifically, the ordinance establishes standards for buildings, structures, setbacks, lot coverage, land uses, streets and

highways and other land use aspects. These regulations apply to all unincorporated areas that have adopted Marathon County Zoning. However, where a

town has not adopted Marathon County Zoning but has adopted local regulations, the local regulations apply. In addition, the County regulates the

division of land in accordance with Chapter 18 Land Division and Surveying Regulations. The County’s land division regulations apply in all unincorporated

areas of the County. However, where a town has land division regulations that are more restrictive than the County’s, the local regulations apply.

4. Floodplain and Shoreland Ordinance. Shoreland, wetland, and floodplain regulations are applicable in all unincorporated areas of the County.

Wisconsin law mandates counties to adopt and administer a zoning ordinance that regulates land use in shoreland/wetland and floodplain areas for the

entire area of the county outside of villages and cities.

5. Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Ordinance. Marathon County adopted the General Code of Ordinances for Marathon County Chapter 21

Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Code in 1989. The ordinance applies to approximately 400 operating or abandoned excavations of sand, gravel,

decomposed granite and stone. The ordinance requires restoration of the site to a purposeful and acceptable landscape appearance and use.

6. Private Sewage System Ordinance. Marathon County adopted Marathon County General Code of Ordinances Chapter 15 Private Sewage Systems in

1968. This ordinance is adopted to promote and protect public health and safety by assuring the proper siting, design, installation, inspection, and

management of private sewage systems and non-plumbing sanitation systems, and to assure the timely repair or replacement of failing private sewage

systems. All structures or premises in the County that are permanently or intermittently intended for human habitation or occupancy, which are not

serviced by a public sewer or a privately owned wastewater treatment facility regulated by the Department of Natural Resources, shall have a system for

holding or treatment and dispersal of sewage and wastewater which complies with the provisions of this ordinance.

7. Construction Site Erosion – WI Administrative Code NR 216. Construction site erosion and uncontrolled storm water runoff from land disturbing

activities can have significant adverse impacts upon local water resources. Under subchapter III of NR 216, Wis. Adm. Code, a notice of intent shall be filed

with the DNR by any landowner who disturbs one or more acres of land.

Lake Management Plan Approval

The final draft of the lake management plan will be approved through consensus of local citizens involved in the planning process. The final draft will be

approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure compliance lake management plan requirements and grant requirements.


The completed plan that has been approved by the DNR will be presented to the municipalities containing the lake and Marathon County. The

municipality may reference the lake management plan or parts of the plan in their comprehensive plan to guide municipal or county decisions.

Lake Assistance

The lake management plan will enhance the ability of the lake to apply for financial assistance. The lake management plan will be considered as part of

the application for grants through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Current listings of grants available from the DNR can be found at

http://dnr.wi.gov/aid/. Marathon County offers technical and financial assistance through the Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department and

University of Wisconsin-Extension Department. Additional assistance may be available from other agencies and organizations, including DNR, UW-

Extension Lakes Program, Golden Sands RC&D, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, and Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. Etc.

http://dnr.wi.gov/aid/


References

Arik, Melis, 2014. Aquatic Plants of Lilly, Lost and Mission Lakes. Presentation given December 2, 2014 at the Reid Town Hall.

Borman, Susan, Robert Korth, and Jo Temte, 2001. Through the looking glass, a field guide to aquatic plants. Reindl Printing, Inc. Merrill, Wisconsin.

Haney, Ryan, 2015. Healthy Shorelands. Presentation given January 6, 2015 at the Reid Town Hall.

Haney, Ryan, 2015. Land Management Practices to Improve Water Quality. Presentation given February 17, 2015 at the Reid Town Hall.

Meronek, Thomas, 2015. Fisheries of Lilly, Lost and Mission Lakes. Presentation given January 6, 2015 at the Reid Town Hall.

Panuska and Lillie, 1995. Phosphorus Loadings from Wisconsin Watershed: Recommended Phosphorus Export Coefficients for Agricultural and Forested

Watersheds. Bulletin Number 38, Bureau of Research, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Shaw, B., C. Mechenich, and L. Klessig, 2000. Understanding Lake Data. University of Wisconsin-Extension, Stevens Point. 20 pp.

Stushek, Kaycie, 2014. Aquatic Invasive Species in Lilly, Lost and Mission Lakes. Presentation given December 2, 2014 at the Reid Town Hall.

Turyk, Nancy, 2015. Water Quality in Lilly, Lost and Mission Lakes. Presentation given February 17, 2015 at the Reid Town Hall.

UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education, 2014. Eastern Marathon County Lake Study - Mission Lake 2010-2012. Final Report to

Marathon County and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education, 2013. Eastern Marathon County Lake Study - Mission Lake 2010-2012 Mini-Report.

Report to Marathon County and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Planning Meeting Presentations

Vallentyne, J.R., 1974. The Algal Bowl-Lakes and Man. Ottawa Department of the Environment.

Wetzel, R.G., 2001. Limnology, Lake and River Ecosystems, Third Edition. Academic Press. San Diego, California.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2004. Designation of Sensitive Areas: Mission Lake, Marathon County. Eau Claire, Wisconsin.


Appendices


Appendix A: Marathon County Lake Information Directory Algae - Blue-Green Contact: Scott Provost, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-421-7881 Address: 473 Griffith Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/bluegreenalgae/ Contact: Wisconsin Department of Health Services Phone: 608-267-3242 Address: PO Box 2659, Madison, WI 53701 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/bluegreenalgae/index.htm Aquatic Invasive Species /Clean Boats Clean Water Contact: Golden Sands RC&D Phone: 715-343-6215 E-mail: [email protected] Address: 1100 Main Street, Suite #150, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Websites: http://www.goldensandsrcd.org/ http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/ Aquatic Plant Management (Native and Invasive) Contact: Scott Provost, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-421-7881 Address: 473 Griffith Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/plants/ Aquatic Plant Identification Contact: Golden Sands RC&D Phone: 715-343-6215 E-mail: [email protected] Address: 1100 Main Street, Suite #150, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Website: http://www.goldensandsrcd.org/ Contact: Scott Provost, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-421-7881 Address: 473 Griffith Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/plants/

Aquatic Plant Management Contact: Scott Provost, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-421-7881 Address: 473 Griffith Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/plants/ Best Management Practices (Rain gardens, shoreland buffers, agricultural practices, runoff controls) Contact: Marathon County CPZ Phone: 715-261-6000 Address: 210 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning.aspx Boat Landings (County) (Signage, permissions, etc.) Contact: William Duncanson Phone: 715-261-1550 Address: 212 River Dr., Suite 2, Wausau, WI 54403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry.aspx Boat Landings (State) Contact: Tom Meronek, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-359-7582 Address: 5103 Rib Mt. Dr., Wausau, WI 54401 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/facilities/boataccess/ Boat Landings (Town) Contact the clerk for the specific town/village in which the boat landing is located. Conservation Easements Contact: Gathering Waters Conservancy Phone: 608-251-9131 Address: 211 S. Paterson St., Suite 270, Madison, WI 53703 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://gatheringwaters.org/

mailto:[email protected]

http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/bluegreenalgae/


http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/bluegreenalgae/index.htm


http://www.goldensandsrcd.org/

http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/


http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/plants/


http://www.goldensandsrcd.org/






http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning.aspx


http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry.aspx



http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/facilities/boataccess/


http://gatheringwaters.org/


Contact: Buzz Sorge, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-839-3794 Address: PO Box 4001, Eau Claire, WI 54702 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/aid/easements.html Contact: North Central Conservancy Trust Phone: 715-341-7741 Address: PO Box 124, Stevens Point, WI 54481 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.ncctwi.org/ Contact: NRCS Wausau Service Center Phone: 715-848-2330 Address: 326 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 Critical Habitat and Sensitive Areas Contact: Buzz Sorge, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-839-3794 Address: PO Box 4001, Eau Claire, WI 54702 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/criticalhabitat/ Dams (Pike Lake) Town of Reid and Elderon Contact: Town of Reid (Kittie Milanowski, Clerk) Phone: 715-446-3767 Address: 7089 Plover River Rd., Hatley, WI 54440 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Home/AboutMarathonCounty/Municipalities/Towns.aspx Contact: Town of Elderon (Mary Ostrowski, Clerk) Phone: 715-454-6845 Address: 2021 Cherry Dr., Eland, WI 54427 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Home/AboutMarathonCounty/Municipalities/Towns.aspx Fertilizers/Soil Testing Contact: Marathon County UW Extension Phone: 715-261-1230 Address: 212 River Dr., Suite 3, Wausau, WI 54403-5476 Website: http://marathon.uwex.edu/agriculture/agriculture-news-in-marathon-county/

Contact: NRCS Wausau Service Center Phone: 715-848-2330 Address: 326 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 Fisheries Biologist (management, habitat) Contact: Tom Meronek, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-359-7582 Address: 5103 Rib Mt. Dr., Wausau, WI 54401 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/ Frog Monitoring—Citizen Based Contact: Andrew Badje, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 608-266-3336 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Grants Contact: Buzz Sorge, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-839-3794 Address: PO Box 4001, Eau Claire, WI 54702 E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Marathon County CPZ Phone: 715-261-6000 Address: 210 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning.aspx Groundwater Quality Contact: Kevin Masarik, UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education Phone: 715-346-4276 Address: 224 TNR, 800 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/watersheds/ Groundwater Quantity Contact: George Kraft, UW-Stevens Point Phone: 715-346-2984 Address: TNR 224C, 800 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 E-mail: [email protected]


http://dnr.wi.gov/aid/easements.html


http://www.ncctwi.org/


http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/criticalhabitat/


http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Home/AboutMarathonCounty/Municipalities/Towns.aspx





http://marathon.uwex.edu/agriculture/agriculture-news-in-marathon-county/

http://marathon.uwex.edu/agriculture/agriculture-news-in-marathon-county/


http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/








http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/watersheds/


Contact: Scott Provost, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-421-7881 Address: 473 Griffith Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://prodoasext.dnr.wi.gov/inter1/hicap$.startup Informational Packets Contact: Ryan Haney, UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education Phone: 715-346-2497 Address: 224A TNR, 800 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 E-mail: [email protected] Lake Groups – Friends, Associations, Districts Contact: Patrick Goggin, UWEX Lakes Phone: 715-365-8943 Address: 107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/ Contact: Eric Olson, UWEX Lakes Phone: 715-346-2192 Address: 800 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/ Contact: Susan Tesarik, Wisconsin Lakes Phone: 1-800-542-5253 Address: 4513 Vernon Blvd., Suite 101, Madison, WI 53705 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://wisconsinlakes.org/ Lake Levels See: Groundwater Lake Related Law Enforcement (No-wake, transporting invasives, etc.) Contact: Ben Harzfeldt or Paul Leezer, WI Dept. of Natural Resources State Conservation Wardens Phone: 715-359-1030 or 715-401-0644 Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/

Land Use Planning and Shoreland Zoning Contact: Dean Johnson, Marathon County CPZ Phone: 715-261-6000 Address: 210 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning.aspx Contact: Marathon County CPZ Phone: 715-261-6000 Address: 210 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning.aspx Contact: UWSP Center for Land Use Education Phone: 715-346-3783 Address: TNR 208, 800 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/landcenter/ Nutrient Management Plans Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Contact: Kirk Langfoss Phone: 715-261-6008 Address: 210 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning.aspx http://dnr.wi.gov/runoff/ag/manure.html Parks (County) Contact: William Duncanson Phone: 715-261-1550 Address: 212 River Drive, Suite #2, Wausau, WI 54403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry.aspx Purchase of Development Rights Contact: North Central Conservancy Trust Phone: 715-341-7741 Address: PO Box 124, Stevens Point, WI 54481 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.ncctwi.org/


http://prodoasext.dnr.wi.gov/inter1/hicap$.startup



http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/


http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/


http://wisconsinlakes.org/

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/







http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/landcenter/




http://dnr.wi.gov/runoff/ag/manure.html




http://www.ncctwi.org/


Purchase of Land Contact: Buzz Sorge, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-839-3794 Address: PO Box 4001, Eau Claire, WI 54702 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/facilities/realestate/acquire.html Rain Barrels – Order Contact: Golden Sands RC&D Phone: 715-343-6215 Address: 1462 Strongs Ave., Stevens Point, WI 54481 Website: http://www.goldensandsrcd.org/downloads/rain_barrel_order_form.pdf Rain Gardens and Runoff Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Phone: 715-261-6000 Address: 210 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning.aspx Septic Systems Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Contact: Dale Dimond Phone: 715-261-6028 Address: 210 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning.aspx Shoreland Management Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Phone: 715-261-6000 Address: 210 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ConservationPlanningZoning.aspx http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/ecology/shorelands/default.asp Shoreland Zoning Ordinances See: Land Use Planning and Shoreland Zoning Ordinances

Soil Fertility Testing See Fertilizers/Soil Testing Water Quality Monitoring Contact: Buzz Sorge, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-839-3794 Address: PO Box 4001, Eau Claire, WI 54702 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/water.html http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/index.html Water Quality Problems Contact: Buzz Sorge, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-839-3794 Address: PO Box 4001, Eau Claire, WI 54702 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/water.html Contact: Nancy Turyk, UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education Phone: 715-346-4155 Address: 216 TNR, 800 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 E-mail: [email protected] Wetlands Contact: Wisconsin Wetland Association Phone: 608-250-9971 Address: 214 N. Hamilton St., #201, Madison, WI 53703 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.wisconsinwetlands.org http://dnr.wi.gov/wetlands/ Wetland Inventory Contact: Emmet Judziewicz, UWSP Freckmann Herbarium Address: 310 TNR, 800 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 E-mail: [email protected] Woody Habitat Contact: Tom Meronek, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: 715-359-7582 Address: 5103 Rib Mt. Dr., Wausau, WI 54401 E-mail: [email protected]


http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/facilities/realestate/acquire.html

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/facilities/realestate/acquire.html

http://www.goldensandsrcd.org/downloads/rain_barrel_order_form.pdf

http://www.goldensandsrcd.org/downloads/rain_barrel_order_form.pdf










http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/ecology/shorelands/default.asp

http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/ecology/shorelands/default.asp


http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/water.html

http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/index.html


http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/water.html



http://www.wisconsinwetlands.org/

http://dnr.wi.gov/wetlands/




If you are looking for any information that is not listed in this directory please contact:

Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning

210 River Dr., Wausau, WI 54403 Phone: 715-261-6000

E-mail: [email protected]

UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education 224 TNR, 800 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 54481

Phone: 715-346-2497 E-mail: [email protected]




Appendix B: Aquatic Plant Management Strategies

Figure 5. Locations of observed Eurasian water-milfoil in Mission Lake during the 2012 aquatic plant survey.


General recommendations:

Reduce nutrients traveling to the lake from the landscape.

Avoid increasing algal blooms by maintaining a healthy amount of aquatic plants.

Don’t denude the lakebed.

Increases potential for aquatic invasive species establishment.

Sediments can add phosphorus to the water which may lead to increased algal growth.

Choose options that are appropriate for your lake’s situation.

Monitor and adjust your strategies if you are not making headway!

List of Aquatic Plant Management Options (selection of options varies with situation):

No Action

ADVANTAGES

No associated cost.

Least disruptive to lake ecosystem.

LIMITATIONS

May not be effective in achieving aquatic plant management objectives.

Hand Pulling

ADVANTAGES

Can be used for thinning aquatic plants around docks.

Can target specific plants - with proper training.

Can be effective in controlling small infestations of aquatic invasive species.

No associated cost.

LIMITATIONS

Removes near-shore wildlife and fish habitat.

Opens up areas where invasives to become established.

If aquatic invasive species are not pulled properly, could worsen the problem.

Hand Pulling Using Suction

ADVANTAGES

Can be used for thinning plants around docks.

Can be used in deeper areas (with divers).

Can target specific plants with proper training.

Can be effective in controlling small infestations of aquatic invasive species.

May be useful in helping to remove upper root mass of aquatic invasive species.

LIMITATIONS

Costs associated with hiring a diver may be comparable to chemical treatment expenses.

Currently an experimental treatment – not readily available.

If aquatic invasive species are not pulled properly, could worsen the problem.


Mechanical Harvesting

ADVANTAGES

Removes plant material and nutrients.

Can target specific locations.

Used to manage larger areas for recreational access or fishery management.

LIMITATIONS

Not used in water depths less than 3 feet.

Some harm to aquatic organisms.

Is a temporary control.

Risk of introduction of new aquatic invasive species (on a hired harvester) or spread of some existing invasive species.

Hired cost at least $150/hr.

Water Level Manipulation

ADVANTAGES

Controls aquatic plants in shallower, near-shore areas.

Can be low cost.

LIMITATIONS

Requires a controlling structure on the lake.

May cause undesired stress on ecosystem.

Cannot be used frequently.

Milfoil Weevils

ADVANTAGES

Natural, native maintenance of native and exotic milfoils.

Prefers the aquatic invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil.

Some lakes may already have a native populations; need a professional stem count and assessment of shoreland health, structure of fishery, etc.

Doesn’t harm lake ecosystem.

LIMITATIONS

Require healthy shoreline habitat for overwintering.

Cannot survive in areas of mechanical harvesting or herbicide application.

Effectiveness highly variable between lakes (only works well for some lakes).

Limited access to weevils for purchase in WI.

Still considered experimental.

Chemical Treatment: Spot

ADVANTAGES

May be less destructive to lake ecosystem than lake-wide treatment.

LIMITATIONS

Only considered in lakes with aquatic invasive plants.

Usually not fully effective in eradicating target species.

Contaminants may remain in sediment.

Effects on lake ecosystem not fully understood.

Does not remove dead vegetation, which depletes oxygen and releases nutrients, adds to build-up of muck.

Extra nutrients may spur additional aquatic plant and algae growth.


Chemical Treatment: Lake-wide

ADVANTAGES

May reduce aquatic invasives for a time.

Treatment not needed as frequently.

LIMITATIONS

Only considered in lakes with aquatic invasive plants.

Usually not fully effective in eradicating target species.

Contaminants may remain in sediment.

Does not remove dead vegetation, which depletes oxygen and releases nutrients, adds to build-up of muck.

Extra nutrients may spur additional aquatic plant and algae growth.

Negatively affects native vegetation.

Effects on lake ecosystem not fully understood.

Opens up space once taken up by natives for invasive species to colonize once again.

~$4000 per 5 acres.

Mission Lake Management Plan - Marathon County, Wisconsin€¦ · Lake Management Plan – Mission...

Documents

Transcript of Mission Lake Management Plan - Marathon County, Wisconsin€¦ · Lake Management Plan – Mission...